Gov't to fine electricity companies for AR$158 million over power cuts

The government is to fine the main electricity providers Edenor and Edesur for the power cuts that affected thousands of people across Buenos Aires on November 7.

Planning Minister Julio de Vido instructed the head of the National Electricity Regulator (ENRE) to begin the sanctioning process against both companies, the ministry said in a press release today.

According to the communiqué, the fine against Edesur stands at 129 million pesos and Edenor 29 million pesos.

Last week the government launched an inquiry into the cause of the power cuts, which happened during a week of extremely hot weather with temperatures reaching 34 degrees, stating that the incident was planned and that it wanted to know “who pulled the lever” on the city.  

Power workers union leader Oscar Lescano said yesterday that the power cuts were an “accident.”